Elements of Fiction – SettingSetting is the time period and the place of the story. Setting refers to the context in time (both time period and time span) and place (including social environment and physical features) in which the action of a story occurs. Place or setting is seldom insignificant or unrelated to a larger historical context: it helps readers recognize/interpret symbolism, behavior, significance, commentary, action.
SETTING is time and location in which a story takes place is called the setting. For some stories the setting is very important, while for others it is not. There are several aspects of a story's setting to consider when examining how setting contributes to a story (some, or all, may be present in a story):
a) place - geographical location. Where is the action of the story taking place?
b) time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc)
c) weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc?
d) social conditions - What is the daily life of the character's like? Does the story contain local colour (writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)?
e) mood or atmosphere - What feeling is created at the beginning of the story? Is it bright and cheerful or dark and frightening?
Setting should lend unity to the novel: What does it contribute? The ways in which setting may help shape a story:
setting as mirror: character mood, emotions
setting as mold: can shape character (spiritual wasteland of suburbia, small decaying town, farm)
setting as challenge: unusual and difficult
setting as escape: help us encounter facets of personality denied an outlet in ordinary world
Types of setting: Neutral setting: the setting is not important, just a place where the action takes place. Spiritual setting: the values embodied in the physical setting; there is no easy relationship between physical setting and moral values. Dynamic setting: the setting may take on the role of a character.
Elements of a setting: · Geography (topography, scenery, interiors, etc.)
· Occupation and lifestyle of characters
· TimeWeather
· Religious, intellectual, and moral environment
Functions of a setting:
Setting as metaphor: the setting projects the internal state of the characters or a pervasive spiritual atmosphere.
Atmosphere: a mood or emotional aura suggested by the setting and helping to establish the reader's expectations
Setting as the dominant element: Time: especially in historical novels Place: regional or local color stories (spiritual as well as geographical)
Acknowledgements
adapted from http://www.ci.maryville.tn.us/mhs/studyskills/compguide/LitAnaSetting.htm
also, Dr. Robert Burroughs, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.Perrine, Laurence. Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense. 4th ed. NY: Harcourt, 1983.Roberts, Edgar V. and Henry E. Jacobs. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. 4th ed. NJ: Prentice Hall, 1995.
~ ~ ~Setting~ ~ ~
Elements of Fiction – SettingSetting is the time period
and the place of the story.
Setting refers to the context in time (both time period and time span) and place (including social environment and physical features) in which the action of a story occurs. Place or setting is seldom insignificant or unrelated to a larger historical context: it helps readers recognize/interpret symbolism, behavior, significance, commentary, action.
SETTING is time and location in which a story takes place is called the setting. For some stories the setting is very important, while for others it is not. There are several aspects of a story's setting to consider when examining how setting contributes to a story (some, or all, may be present in a story):
Setting should lend unity to the novel:
What does it contribute?
The ways in which setting may help shape a story:
Types of setting:
Neutral setting: the setting is not important, just a place where the action takes place.
Spiritual setting: the values embodied in the physical setting; there is no easy relationship between physical setting and moral values.
Dynamic setting: the setting may take on the role of a character.
Elements of a setting:
· Geography (topography, scenery, interiors, etc.)
· Occupation and lifestyle of characters
· TimeWeather
· Religious, intellectual, and moral environment
Functions of a setting:
Setting as the dominant element:
Time: especially in historical novels
Place: regional or local color stories (spiritual as well as geographical)
Acknowledgements
adapted from http://www.ci.maryville.tn.us/mhs/studyskills/compguide/LitAnaSetting.htm
also,
Dr. Robert Burroughs, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.Perrine, Laurence. Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense. 4th ed. NY: Harcourt, 1983.Roberts, Edgar V. and Henry E. Jacobs. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. 4th ed. NJ: Prentice Hall, 1995.